Now, almost 3 centuries later life pulsates in the midst of the seas of lava and continues to expand. More than 800 species of animal life and plants have been noted within its confines mostly terrestrial, but some in the sea. Organisms that live directly on the rocks, are birds, lizards and above all, various species of lichens, besides some unusual nocturnal insects that feed on microscopic particles carried by the wind. These are principally beetles and crickets which may be similar to the pioneer creatures which made their home on the island when Lanzarote emerged from the sea millions of years ago. The largest known form of animal life is the Guira vulture which feeds on carrion and nests in the craters of the volcanoes of the fire mountains. The smallest is a tiny cave dwelling insect measuring less than one millimetre in length.